President Donald Trump is not currently planning to attend the United States men’s national team’s opening World Cup match against Paraguay on Friday night at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California.The State Department issued a release to say Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the game, along with Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin.President Trump, however, has not publicly confirmed whether he will attend the USMNT opening match in Los Angeles. But four people close to the planning for the tournament, or familiar with his plans, all of whom remain anonymous to protect relationships, said they do not currently anticipate that Trump will attend the game. The President’s plans, of course, can always remain subject to change.It would be highly unusual for the head of state of a host nation to skip their team’s opening game at a men’s World Cup — the Emir of Qatar attended in 2022, President Vladimir Putin of Russia attended in 2018 and President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil attended in 2014.
The White House has been approached for comment.Trump is also expected to be in Washington D.C. on Friday to attend some walk-throughs of the weekend’s UFC event that is taking place.Trump has developed a strong relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, most notably receiving the FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in December.Trump has attended a series of high-profile sporting events since returning to the White House, including Game 3 of the NBA Finals this week at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where he was booed by the crowd.He has previously attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans; UFC fights in Miami and New Jersey; the Daytona 500; the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Philadelphia; the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium; and the U.S. Open men’s tennis final. The reaction has varied across those events, reflecting the breadth of public opinion.Wednesday’s release by the State Department added: “The FIFA World Cup is a landmark moment for the Trump Administration, showcasing American leadership and hospitality to a global audience as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.“On the margins of the match, Secretary Rubio will meet with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to advance the U.S.-Paraguay strategic partnership spanning regional security, trade and investment, and emerging technology.”Jun 10, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
